A model for secondary traumatic stress following workplace exposure to traumatic material in analytical staff

Abstract

Analytical professionals working in criminal justice and in social media companies are exposed to aversive details of traumatic events. Albeit indirect, exposure in these roles is repeated and can be extreme, including exposure to material containing lethal violence, sexual assault, and serious self-harm, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder and Secondary Traumatic Stress reactions. Incorporating relevant empirical research, this article considers the mechanisms that may contribute to post-exposure post-traumatic stress disorder and Secondary Traumatic Stress reactions in these roles. Building on the Ehlers and Clark model, subsequent extensions, and the authors’ experience of working as, and conducting research with, law enforcement professionals, a new model is proposed to explain post-exposure post-traumatic stress disorder/Secondary Traumatic Stress reactions. Analysts in criminal justice and social media companies encounter material including lethal violence, sexual assault, and self-harm. Harnessing established models, research needs to clarify what factors lead to or mitigate PTSD and secondary traumatic stress in these professionals.